NEA welcomes new administrator

MANILA, Philippines — The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has welcomed the appointment of Antonio Mariano Almeda as its new administrator, replacing Emmanuel Juaneza.

NEA said Almeda served as the deputy executive director of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission, formerly known as the Joint Congressional Power Commission, the country’s primary watchdog in the power sector.

Almeda was actively involved in the formulation of the bill for the EPIRA amendments and was also tasked with overseeing the privatization process of the various power plants of the National Power Corp., according to NEA.

Almeda  is looking forward to a harmonious relationship with the electric cooperatives, the agency’s implementing arm in pursuing total electrification and sustainable rural development in the country.

“Electric cooperatives are and should be, the wife and children of NEA, so I will try my best to forge a very convenient, harmonious relationship with the electric cooperatives, so please help me. Their cooperation will matter much in the performance of our functions,” he said.

Almeda said he is greatly honored for the trust and confidence given to him by President Marcos.

He has asked the NEA employees to help him fulfill the mandate of the agency.

Almeda took his oath of office before Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla last Nov. 17.